Katz and Styles get more interesting👍

4.5🌟stars
This suspenseful FBI investigation into child trafficking in Montana and beyond kept up a fast pace and I liked the way the bigger trafficking problem became personal for FBI Special Agents Dax Styles and Beth Katz. There's a definite hour glass emptying feeling for the new victims and action and danger aplenty.

Dax lost his older sister Ginny when he was only eight when she disappeared, a suspected kidnapping victim, and he has blamed himself ever since. In this story, Beth, a computer whiz, turns up information that identifies what happened to her and it links to a huge, sustained criminal operation abusing and selling children for huge profits. Styles is looking for revenge for his sister; Beth is planning to eliminate the mastermind; both are determined to dismantle the operation and rescue the victims.

For me, the multiple tentacles of the criminal activities, including foster care abuse, illegal adoption and auctioning rings, got a bit overwhelming. The parts of the plot that focused on specific victims, how they were tricked by their abductors and their fight to survive were some of my favorites. I also liked that Beth Katz, self described as a psychopath, has developed a bit of a conscience since the early books in the series. Not that she's any less prone to kill the bad guys to ensure they don't escape, but she seems conflicted about the growing pile of secrets she hides from Styles and her fellow agents as her alter ego the Tarot Killer takes matters into her own hands.

The investigation and pursuit were thrilling, but the character development for Styles and Katz made me want to read more.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Love this Author and both of the series she writes. This instalment (#4) is the best so far. Kudos to Beth for helping to locate Styles’ missing sister. I love the interaction of the characters from both series. Bring on Book #5. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookoutre and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

FBI Special Agents Beth Katz and Dex Styles have been searching for Dex's sister- who went missing when he was a child- for years and now, now they've uncovered a horrible situation involving trafficking and a baby farm. Beth has been more or less turfed out of DC to Montana by FBI because she is a psychopath (I know!). FBI Hqs doesn't know that she's also a vigilante serial killer-this makes for a difficult protagonist to say the least. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a little over the top in spots and if it wasn't for me, I'm sure others will enjoy it.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Forgotten Girls’, the fourth in the Detective Beth Katz series written by D K Hood, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Dex Styles has been searching for his missing sister Ginny since she disappeared twenty years ago and when he and Detective Beth Katz find her they then go searching for her captor Rene Shoebridge who’s part of an organisation involved in abducting young girls and selling babies for adoption. They soon realise they’re putting themselves at risk as the leader of the organisation wants them dead before they can shut down his illegal activities.

‘Forgotten Girls’ is another amazing thriller set in Rattlesnake Creek as Detectives Beth Katz and Dex Styles, with the help of FBI Special Agents Ty Carter, Jo Wells and their computer expert Kalo, work together to find those responsible for abducting the missing girls. I’ve enjoyed reading more of Beth and the close friendship she’s formed with Dex while they’re working together, and it’s been good to have Jenna Alton and Shane Wolfe mentioned in the story albeit briefly. This thriller has been brilliantly written and the plot packed full of action, excitement and suspense, the tension increasing the further I’ve got into the story. I’ve thoroughly this thriller which I devoured in a day and can’t wait for Ms Hood produce book number five which is sure to be as gripping as this one.

Special Agent Beth Katz #4

Special Agent Beth Katz races through the dense Montana woodland toward a small, isolated cabin. She's investigating the disappearance of her partner, Dax Styles sister's disappearance, and Beth finally has a solid lead. Outside the decrepit building, her hearts pounds, wondering what she will find on the other side of the door. A young woman with long brown hair and cornflower blue eyes, just like Dax's, shakes in the kitchen. It's clearly Ginny, but before Dax can speak to his long-lost sister, Beth hears a noise from outside. In a rundown outbuilding, they discover another young girl that was reported kissing just weeks before. Dressed in a thin nightie, Ava cowers as Beth breaks into the padlocked door. Her captor has fled, but Beth will use every skill she has to track him down.

The previous books in this series have all mentioned that Dax was just eight when his sister, Ginny, disappeared without a trace. Beth had been using AI to find clues to what Ginny would look like now. They got a result, Ginny was found, but she's got a new identity, and she's been brainwashed by the man who has held her captive. But finding Ginny has opened an even bigger paedophile ring, and an adoption scam.

I love everything about a new novel from D.K. Hood, whether it's the long-running Detective Kane and Alton series, or her new series featuring Special Agent Beth Katz and Dax Styles. But Beth is no ordinary FBI Agent, she's also a serial killer. Where the author gets her inspiration from, I have no idea, but I hope she keeps finding it. These books are addictive, fast-paced, and you never know where the story is going to take you.

Published 31st July

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DKHood for my ARC of #ForgottenGirls in exchange for an honest review.

Well written but a very harrowing subject - child abduction for slavery or baby farming. The two FBI Agents dealing with the case have their own issues - Dax has a missing sister and Beth a family history of child abuse. If it was just the uncomfortable storyline it would have gained another star or two for me but the absolute no no is the fact that Beth freely admits she's a psychopath and is, in fact, the killer of various perpetrators, in other words she's a vigilante doling our justice without the law. It probably does happen, it's understandable to a degree and probably more so if it has happened to the reader, but that does not excuse anyone taking the law into their own hands. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Title: Forgotten Girls
Author: D. K. Hood
Series: Special Agent Beth Katz #4
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Crime Thriller
Pub Date: July 31, 2024
My Rating: 4.3 . Stars
Pages: 327

If you are new to this series ~
Special agent Beth Katz is an FBI agent in DC who is good at tracking down psychopathic serial killers. She knows how their mind works as
she has had first-hand experience as her own father was a serial killer.
Beth is very intelligent as well as clever- in fact is like a chameleon when it comes to working undercover. She is excellent in many
occupations including pole dancing. She looks young and can pass for someone much younger.
When Beth takes down a serial killer she leaves a Tarot card.
Yes she is the “Tarot Serial Killer”.

Her DC partner suspects that she has a dark side and believes she needs a psych evaluation. She failed the psych test and told the
evaluation will be reviewed in a year but in the meantime she is transferred out of DC to the FBI Field post in Rattlesnake Creek, Montana.

This story starts with Beth Katz and her partner Dax Styles heading to a small cabin in e Montana’s woodland. They are investigating the disappearance of Dax’s sister Ginny who went missing ten years ago when Dax was 8 years old.

The Prologue tells us that Ginny and Dax when finishing one Sunday afternoon after going to church service that morning. Ginny would prefer reading to fishing but does what her mother asks and goes. Somehow Ginny and Dax become separated. Ginny is alone. She is approached by a policeman and told her brother is fine but they were sent to pick her up as something bad happened to her parents. She walks with them but see that the car they are approaching is NOT a police cruiser. Ginny has not been seen since that day.

Beth has a lead by using AI software for the possibilities of what Ginny might look like now.
It worked and they find Ginny alive, but Beth and Dax realize that they are dealing with a ruthless pedophile kidnapping ring and adoption racket.
Beth finds this just may call for the help of ‘the Tarot Killer’.

Although this is a dark story, it kept me turning pages.

I am a fan and follow several series with smart strong females- Melinda Leigh’s - Bree Taggert, Lisa Regan’s-Josie Quinn, Linda Castillo’s-Kate Burkholder, Elly Griffiths -Ruth Galloway, James Patterson’s-Lindsey Boxer, and of course,- D.K Hood’s - Beth Katz!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 31, 2024.

This is a book where you dive in and hit the ground running. From the very first page I knew I wouldn't be putting it down halfway through, this was going to be a late night. And boy was it worth it, my heart was in my mouth for probably half of the book. At the beginning of this series I wasn't sure if Beth and Dax were going to work as partners so it's great to see how they have started to trust each other more and anticipate each others' actions. This gripping story is book four in the series but could be read as a standalone. However if you decide to read the series in order you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Book four in the Detective Beth series
Love this new series
A really great series
Can’t wait for the next in this series
Thanks NetGalley

As always Iove this author and the books she rights. The suspense she puts in this series always keeps you glued to the book. I love the characters, especially the dogs, the storyline, and it makes me not want to put the book down because I always want to see what's going to happen next. I will always get anything she writes.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In “Forgotten Girls,” D.K. Hood delivers another gripping installment in the Detective Beth Katz series, blending suspense, emotion, and relentless action into a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This fourth book in the series not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessors.

The story plunges us into the dense Montana woodlands, where Special Agent Beth Katz is on a desperate mission to find her partner Dax Styles’s missing sister, Ginny. The tension is palpable from the first page as Beth races against time, uncovering a series of abductions that lead her to a chilling discovery. 

Beth Katz shines as a protagonist. Her determination, intelligence, and emotional depth make her a compelling character. Dax Styles, her partner, adds another layer of complexity to the story, especially as he grapples with personal stakes in the investigation. The dynamic between Beth and Dax is both professional and deeply personal, adding richness to the narrative.

Hood’s writing is crisp and engaging. The pacing is perfect for a thriller, with short, punchy chapters that make it hard to put the book down. The descriptive passages bring the eerie Montana setting to life, enhancing the suspense. Hood masterfully balances action with moments of introspection, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

 “Forgotten Girls” explores themes of trust, resilience, and justice. The psychological depth of the characters, particularly the victims, is handled with sensitivity and realism. Hood doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, but she also highlights the strength and courage of those who fight against it.

“Forgotten Girls” is a standout addition to the Detective Beth Katz series. It’s a must-read for fans of crime thrillers who appreciate well-crafted plots, strong character development, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.

For anyone looking to dive into a nail-biting, heart-pounding thriller, “Forgotten Girls” is a perfect choice. Be prepared to lose sleep over this one!

5 stars from this happy reader/ reviewer!

love the style of writing, its intense, fast paced and has great characters that I am enjoying getting to know more plus i just realized that ì had no troublegettinglost in this book because some how i seemed to have jumped over books 2 and 3 which i have as well to read, Also this steris is still unlike any of the other books I've read because of the main character, which makes this series so much fun to read .

I have been following this series from the start. Both Beth and Dax are good characters. Though Beth’s introduction in the first book was a little sensationalist, her character has shaped up well over the series.

Beth Katz and Dax Styles are FBI agents in Rattlesnake Creek. The previous books briefly mention that Dax’s sister Ginny Styles had disappeared many years back. This book tackles that case. When Dax was 8 years old, he and his younger sister Ginny were wandering outside. Ginny disappeared, not to be seen again. His parents blamed Dax and his dad died shortly after. His mother continued to live a tortured existence, as did Dax himself. Beth gets a clue based on using AI software to narrow down the possibilities for her grown-up identity. They strike gold as they find Ginny alive, but what she has gone through over the years is very disturbing. She is not the only one, and Dax and Beth realize they are dealing with a ruthless and sinister paedophile kidnapping ring & adoption racket. The gang realizes their identity might get uncovered, and Dax & Beth are under attack. There is also the elusive Tarot Killer who lurks in the background.

This is a story with a very strong (dark) plot. Beth & Dax make for a great team, with their understanding of each other developing greater depth. The usual pattern – Beth’s drive to find the evil guys, and Dax’s methodical mature approach has some change in this one, as for Dax this case is personal. The story moves fast. I also liked that the Tarot Killer makes only a fleeting appearance, allowing the larger story to take centre stage. Unlike the previous stories, this one does not resolve everything – not sure if it will be picked up in the next book.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Another amazing book by my favourite author. Book 4 in the Katz and Styles series and as gripping as the first 3. I just love the style of writing, it is intense, fast paced and great characters that I am enjoying getting to know more. Although it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading this series from the beginning to understand the main characters better. If you haven’t read this author before then give this series a try as you are missing out!! Superb!!

This case is personal, but will Styles get all the answers he has been searching for?

When Styles was 8 years old, his sister who was 10 at the time went missing. Finding what happened on the fateful day and what happened to her after has been something that Styles has tried to discover.

With his new partner Beth and her super cyber skills, she may have just discovered the sister who vanished so many years ago, and there are links to a bigger case they have been working on, a child trafficking ring, but will looking for answers, trying to save his sister and bring down this organization be the end of them.

Brining in Wolf, Carter and Jo to assist, the race to uncover the head of the snake and battle to stay alive will have you gripped!

Let's not forget the Tarot Card Killer, what would a Beth Katz story be without the appearance of this serial killer.

In this story we also see Beth evolve further, starting to trust and experience emotions she has never before had of connections to others she never thought was possible.

As with other books in this series, it deals with content that can be a trigger or disturbing for some, covering the exploitation of children.

It's lovely to catch up with Special Agents Beth Katz and Dax Styles. They work in a small town called Rattlesnake Creek in Montana. When Dax was 8, his sister Ginny (10) went missing 25 years ago. Beth has found a lead to her current whereabouts. Beth and Dax fly to Louan to investigate her lead. This leads them onto a bigger conspiracy and a much larger investigation that they never saw coming. All the subplots tie up to a climatic conclusion! It's heart thumping, nail biting roller-coaster of read! I highly recommend this book.

This book is so intense!!! FBI partners, Beth Katz and Dax Styles, are stretched to their limits after Beth manages to locate Dax's sister who disappeared when he was young. In fact, he blames himself. When they meet Ginny, it's clear that she's been manipulated and controlled by her kidnapper. And the duo believe this has been going on for years - in fact, they're sure it's tied into a child abduction ring they've been chasing. With cameos by Sheriff Jenna Alton (from the author's Kane and Alton Series), Beth and Dax call in the regional FBI team to assist. No sooner then they get a lead on the ring's hierarchy, they're lives are threatened several times. And, then the Tarot Card Killer strikes. This is a great series by D.K. Hood. Thank you to Bookouture for an advanced reader of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

It took me longer than expected to finally try this author, but I’ve become an instant fan after a fantastic experience with the first two Special Agent Beth Katz books last year. Beth Katz is such an unique main character with her being both FBI and a psychopath serial killer… And I've been looking forward to meet up with Beth, Styles and Bear again. Book number four Forgotten Girls did end up having a bit of a different feel to it, and somehow part of the spark of especially the first book was missing. That said, it was still more than a solid sequel though!

Before I continue, I have to stress that this is definitely a series to read in order. Not only do the cases discussed in Forgotten Girls have some references to the past (as well as a personal connection to Styles), you won’t be able to appreciate Beth Katz in all her glory without having the background knowledge of the previous books. It will also be a lot harder to understand the dynamics between Beth and the rest of the characters… They are all engaging and suspenseful crime thrillers, so well worth your time if you haven’t read them already. I once again enjoyed meeting up with Beth Katz and the rest of the team, and the story hits close to home this time around.

One of the things I love of this series is the Montana setting. The small towns, the forest, the many secluded locations; they all offer so many possibilities for the plot, and they also make for a great backdrop. This fourth book is quite different from the previous books though, because we don't have a serial killer in the spotlight (not counting our main character of course). Instead, Forgotten Girls focuses on a pedophile ring and there are a LOT of active child abuse scenes incorporated into the plot. The suspects aren't any less twisted than the serial killers of the previous books, but somehow it wasn't quite the same. Especially since we don't really get to see a lot of the darker side of our own serial killer FBI agent, which is basically what makes this series stand out.

Like I said, I wish Forgotten Girls would have included more of Beth Katz' little side projects involving her darker side, but I guess she is evolving as a character and that was interesting to see as well. While she is a psychopath, she is somehow still able to make some meaningful connections with her co-workers, and especially the growing bond with her partner Styles is promising. Of course I always love seeing Bear in action; Styles' dog definitely plays an important role in the plot this time around.

I can't deny that the first book of the series is still the strongest for me, as it showed the most of Beth's darker side. Forgotten Girls is more of a regular FBI investigation, although the team does go dark and decides to keep the investigation a secret from their bosses to avoid tipping off the suspects. It's not the same as Beth Katz giving in to her inner psychopath though. Sure, it does come out for a minute, but not enough to be satisfying for me. That said, the plot is without doubt seriously twisted with the focus on pedophiles and child abuse; trigger warnings are definitely in place! If you like your thrillers on the dark and thrilling side, this series will most likely hit the mark.

Detective Beth Katz is back!!! LOVE THIS SERIES! This is book #4 and get ready for a thrilling mystery! Beth find's Dax's abducted sister Ginny and uncovers a pedophile ring in the process. Beth and Dax will do everything to find every player in the ring and dismantle it. This book had so much suspense and you can't help but get hooked from the very first pages. Definitely recommend this series and the book. Look forward to the next Beth Katz book!

Intense, to the nail biting degree! Shades of Dexter with serial killer father, and unique venting methods. Interesting characters and serious crimes, with some creative hacking, mesh for a fast moving and complex hunt for pedophiles. Great read for detective fans.